The Heart of Relationships

Workbook & Reflective Guide

Discover the essential relationship qualities that exist within every human spirit.
Engage with brief sections, reflective tests, and individual tasks that reveal frameworks for strong, joyful, and lasting relationships.
Guided by poetic verse and practical activities for slow, repetitive self-assessment and deep insight.
Created through daily haikus and years of clinical practice, bringing self-reflection into daily life for growth and transformation.

“This book is a personal guide to nurture relationships from within and deepen understanding of yourself and others.”

Who is this book for? Individuals and couples, families seeking connection, therapists and practitioners, and business teams—anyone wishing to improve communication, self-awareness, and relationships in any setting.

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✨ About the Book

The Heart of Relationships is a transformative resource designed to guide readers toward healthy, joyful connection—not by changing others, but by discovering the inner tools we each possess. Written during Helen's reflective retirement at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, these daily haikus grew into an essential framework for developing self-awareness, empathy, and resilience.

Unlike traditional self-help books, each part of this workbook focuses on a single relationship quality through poetic verse and personal, practical exercises. Individuals, couples, families, and work teams alike will find simple, meaningful ways to nurture more harmonious and lasting relationships. This guide can be used solo, in pairs, in groups, or within professional practice.

What Readers Are Saying

★★★★★

“I had struggled for years to understand my partner's needs, but Helen’s workbook gave us practical steps and new language for empathy. Every chapter helped us open up safely and build something joyful together. It truly transformed our marriage. Thank you, Helen!”

— Maria S.

★★★★★

“The Heart of Relationships took me from feeling painfully alone in my family to seeing the strengths and beauty in each of us. The personal reflections and exercises brought us closer than we’ve ever been. It’s a book I’ll keep returning to for guidance.”

— David K.

★★★★★

“There are many relationship books, but none as heartfelt, clear, and practical as this. Helen makes complicated feelings feel simple. After working through her haiku exercises, my relationship with my team at work grew more open and trusting.”

— Alexis R.

Helen Visarraga

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Transformative Author

Experience: Over 30 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, guiding both individuals and organizations to build lasting, joyful relationships and frameworks for personal and organizational growth.
Education: Masters of Social Work, University of Utah.
Practiced: Utah, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington D.C. Retired in Taos, New Mexico.
Approach: Empowers self-discovery and nurturing of buried relationship abilities by guiding people inward, beyond external behavioral expectations.
Personal: Helen enjoys golfing, outdoor adventures, and sharing reflective writing—especially in haiku—while cherishing time with friends and family.

“Helen's passion is to help people discover and cultivate the essential relationship qualities hidden within themselves—enriching every connection in their lives.”

“Self-awareness serves as the essential foundation for every powerful relationship and for our overall human development.”
— Helen Visarraga